VARNA, N.Y. (WHCU) – The Varna Volunteer Fire Company (VVFC) has been awarded a $121,000 grant to purchase new life-saving equipment.

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award is more than $85,000 more than VVFC received in 2022, the first year they applied for the grant. Assistant Chief of EMS and Public Information Officer Nik Danev tells WHCU they worked with a local grant-writing firm this year. Danev says the entire department is abuzz with the news.

The grant award in 2022 enabled VVFC to acquire six SCBAs, or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses, which were nearing the end of their life. The new funding will allow for the purchase of 20 new SCBAs. Danev says the equipment keeps firefighters safe from breathing noxious fumes and allowing them to be more effective in rescue situations.

The grant award continues positive momentum for VVFC. Danev adds that the department was able to recruit two volunteers, including a full-time treasurer, after a recent open house.